Does a detection mean the water is unsafe or out of compliance?

No. UCMR 5 is monitoring data and does not indicate compliance or noncompliance with any drinking-water standard. It reports the highest single detected result at the entry point, which is information you can act on by testing your own tap and choosing a certified filter.

PFAS detected in Kentucky water systems

Q: Which Kentucky water systems had PFAS detected in EPA UCMR 5?

EPA UCMR 5 detected PFOA or PFOS at or above 6 parts per trillion in 8 large Kentucky public water systems (each serving more than 10,000 people). Select a system to see the specific PFAS and highest levels detected.

EPA UCMR 5 monitoring (2023–2025) detected PFOA or PFOS at or above 6 parts per trillion in these 8 large Kentucky public water systems, each serving more than 10,000 people. Select a system to see exactly what was detected and the certified filters that reduce it.

Kentucky systems, highest detections first

Water system	PFOA (ppt)	PFOS (ppt)	vs. 4 ppt reference
Harrison Co Water Assoc	—	47.9	12×
Georgetown Municipal Water Service	9.3	12	3×
Paducah Water Works	5.8	8.1	2×
Louisville Water Company	7.5	—	1.9×
Mt Washington Water Company	7.2	—	1.8×
Corbin Utilities Commission	6.7	—	1.7×
Taylorsville Water Works	6.5	—	1.6×
Hardin County Water District #2	6.2	5.3	1.6×

Highest single EPA UCMR 5 detections (2023–2025), in parts per trillion. The last column is the multiple of the 4 ppt federal reference level for PFOA/PFOS — shown as context only, not a compliance or health determination. — means the compound was not detected at or above 6 ppt.

Not sure what's in your own water? Test it first, then run the selector for a recommendation matched to your home, or read what PFAS is and how it's removed.